To find dogs licking people’s faces a bit grim?

[betterthanbutter]

Ok, firstly, I’m not a dog person, and I’m an emetophobe. Both of which might explain a lot!

We have a dog to stay with us this week (me and 2 DC, age 10 and 8). Dog is super cute, and the kids love her, which is great as they are not used to dogs at all and we were all a bit worried as to how the kids would get on with the dog.

However, they all like each other a lot, and there appears to be a mutual enjoyment of face licking. Including licking on their lips.

I feel rather 😱 about it all. My main concern is that it’ll make the kids ill. AIBU, or is that a genuine concern? I’m aware that with my emetophobia I’m prone to overestimating risk, hence posting here to get opinions on whether I’m BU or justified in my worrying.

What are people’s feelings on dogs licking kids’ faces?!

Where are all these arse-licking dogs? There’s no way mine could reach.

We don’t encourage licking but my dog has been known to give the toddler’s face a little clean up if he’s been eating something delicious. I can’t get that worked up about it to be honest. The dog is wormed regularly and there aren’t many diseases communicable between us and them. If I had a choice between being licked by the dog and sneezed all over by the toddler I’d choose the dog every time.

Why do people think dogs lick their own anuses or other dogs anuses? They don't! I've had dogs all my life. None have ever licked their anus - they can't reach! They don't lick other dogs anus either. They sniff it.

They do lick their balls tho. I love dogs. I don't let them lick my face.

Well mine licks his are, he must be double jointed! he also licks the cats are so even just the 'odd' accidental lick is disgusting and vile and I definitely would not allow him to lick my children, not that he would as we've trained him easily not to.

Despite all the ewwww. posts. If the dog is good with it and the kids are good with it.. No harm other than your own self imposed eww.. Let em be

It’s grim .

Oooh, this has gone well, hasn't it? Brought out the anti-dog brigade in full force. Lovely.

Yanbu I have a dog and never let him lick mine or DS's face as I find it disgusting, especially when I know where that tongue has been! DP loves it though - until I tell him after that the dog had been eating his own shit just before (whether it's true or not!)

Bloody hellGreatRailwayMaps!!

Ok, so widely accepted here that it’s not always the best thing to do.

How can I discourage children from wanting the dog to lick their faces, without upsetting the owner (who doesn’t mind face licking at all)?

.........
Just say so!
I don't want the dog to lick my children, it's not hygienic or... I'm trying to teach the children not to let dogs lick them, or.... The dog probably has worms, pis and sht in its mouth so I don't want it to lick my children.
I even have gross people approach my dog and put their face upto him for a lick! I immediately say, please don't, we have taught him not to.

No its not the anti dog parade (typical reply when your in denial that it's absolutely disgusting and you could potentially harm your children.... Read up on it), i have and love dogs by the way.

I've never allowed my dog to lick my face, I just find the idea of it revolting.

Doesn't help that she chews grass and mud in the park and any other bits and pieces she can find, sticks her nose in random places and then licks her nose but she also eats rabbit droppings.

I wouldn't rub my face on the ground or in the mud and I don't want her dirty tongue on my face.

Dogs eat shit. Literally. I do not want that mouth anywhere near me